Update – Monday 15 February 2021
COVID-19 Local Government Response Unit main page
Here’s today’s update
Auckland remains in Alert Level Three and the rest of the country remains in Alert Level Two.
These Alert Levels will be reviewed every 24 hours.
The Response Unit remains on hand to support you. You can send enquiries to your usual Taituarā, LGNZ, DIA contacts or this inbox: LGCGcovid19response@dia.govt.nz
Business Travel Registration Tool and travel exemptions
We are aware that boundaries caused issues for communities bordering Auckland last time and we have been working with the All of Government team to contribute to a new process for travel during regional resurgence for those who are permitted to travel.
A full list of those permitted to travel into, out of or through Auckland can be found at the COVID-19 website.
Below sets out key messages and links to resources to share with your communities.
Key messages
Travel into, out of and through the Auckland region is heavily restricted while the region is at Alert Level 3. The police are enforcing this at checkpoints.
Where possible, travel must be minimised, and everyone should work remotely if they can.
In order to travel, you will need to have proof that you either fit into a permitted activity or have a specific exemption to travel. To help speed up the process, the government has set up the Business Travel Registration Tool to provide documentation for permitted travel or exemptions if they have been applied for.
Employees cannot register themselves, but councils can make a request on their behalf if they are required to travel across the boundary in order to deliver critical services.
More information on how to register for the Business Travel Tool can be found at the Business New Zealand website . A video explaining how to use the Business Travel Register can be found here.
If your request relates to personal or individual travel and it is not permitted, you will need to apply for an exemption. This is processed by the Ministry of Health and can be accessed at the Ministry of Health website.
The Epidemic Notice remains in force
On 23 December 2020, the Prime Minister renewed the Epidemic Notice, extending the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 (the Principal Notice) for a further three months.
As we have noted in previous updates to you, a number of amendments relevant to local government remain in force while the Principal Notice is in force.
Provisions relevant to local government that are tied to the Epidemic Notice
The following provisions will remain in place until the Principal Notice expires or is revoked:
the amendments to enable council meetings via audio or visual link to meet quorum requirements regardless of Council Standing Orders;
the provisions enabling council meetings to be open to the public through online access and to post meeting agendas, reports and minutes on council websites rather than physical locations;
new members of Council can continue to make their statutory declaration (oath of office) via audio or audio-visual link;
rates rebate applicants can complete the statutory declaration requirement via audio or visual link; and
the Order-in-Council mechanism for making further changes to by-election timing and provisions enabling local authority chief executives to delay the commencement of by-election timeframes.
Provisions relevant to local government not tied to the Epidemic Notice
The provisions providing extensions for bylaws that would otherwise be revoked by section 160A of the Local Government Act 2002 to continue in force until 30 June 2021 – remains in force until 1 July 2021.
Keeping communities safe
Following the Four Golden Rules:
Wash your hands
Scan QR codes
Turn on Bluetooth tracing on the NZ COVID Tracer app
Stay home if you’re feeling unwell and get advice about a COVID-19 test.
Getting tested
If you were at the locations of interest at the times stated, you need to get a test. Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 to arrange a test.
Have your NHI number handy to help speed the process and our frontline staff.
Our Kete Hauora is the easy way to find your NHI and have all your information on hand.
If you were not at a location of interest at the stated times and you have no symptoms you do not need to be tested.
If you have symptoms but have not been to a location of interest stay home and call Healthline for advice.
Keeping track of where you have been
To stop any future spread of COVID-19, we all need to do the 3 Ws:
- Where we have been
- When we were there
- Who we met
Using the NZ COVID Tracer app with Bluetooth turned on is one way to do this
The NZ COVID Tracer booklet is another way and they are FREE and available in multiple languages
For quick and easy online ordering of Tracer booklets go to: https://portal.bluestar.co.nz/WebForm/DPMC_PUB?form=Unite%20Against
